I need detailed photographs (or other reproductions) and English
translations of the "plenissimam indulgentiam" Indulgences that were
sold circa 1517.
  
The last six paragraphs of this web page are an excellent starting
point for historical details: 
http://www.ccel.org/s/schaff/hcc6/htm/ii.x.ix.htm#_fnf12

A list of books (even if only a few) and where they can be purchased
(or borrowed) would be greatly appreciated.

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Request for Question Clarification by larre-ga on 16 Mar 2004 23:05 PST

What is your general location? Library exchange programs tend to be
limited locally (to a state, for example) or a country (U.S. or U.K.
as examples).

Thanks ---larre-ga

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Clarification of Question by itchygitchy-ga on 17 Mar 2004 08:03 PST

I live near Seattle.  Washington has an extensive library system as
well as excellent academic resources.

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Request for Question Clarification by larre-ga on 17 Mar 2004 17:11 PST

Thank you,

I am continuing to search for images of "complete absolution"
indulgences sold  around 1517, particularly hoping for images or
reproductions of those sold by Johann Tetzel. I am awaiting exact
descriptions from several book and research papers, plus confirmation
of availability of these volumes in the Seattle area.

English translations may prove to be the stumbling block. Indulgences
are A) considered to be minor documents among the many Latin documents
still awaiting translation, and thus, publication of translation are
not of urgent interest, and B) considered a specialty of Church
scholars and researchers. These individuals tend to be schooled in
Latin, and therefore do not require translation of such documents.

I will keep you informed of my progress. 

---l

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Clarification of Question by itchygitchy-ga on 25 Mar 2004 19:06 PST

If you are able to find clear images of the specific types of
indulgences that I am looking for, I may be able to find someone to
translate them into English.  (Obviously, the English translations
would still be greatly appreciated, if they are available.)

Here is one image from the period (1515):

http://www.pitts.emory.edu/woodcuts/MSS085/00002918TN.jpg

hlabadie-ga

I can only assume that there is another (larger) image that you wanted
me to see.  This one is 144 x 97 pixels (about the size of a postage
stamp).
:-)

Try this:

http://www.pitts.emory.edu/dia/detail5.cfm?ID=1233185595

The image can be viewed online or downloaded in .pdf.

hlabadie-ga

Outstanding!

I had the pictured indulgence translated.  I had hoped that it would
be similar to the type I was looking for (which was not issued until
the next year) but, unforturnately, it is unrelated.  It is a
permission to use a portable alter:

The sincere and fervent devotion which you prove that you bear towards
the Roman church and the construction of the immense work of the
Basilica of St.Peter in the city, from the time when, according to the
decree made by us, you made the due contribution for its repair,
rightly encourages us and induces us to look favourably on your
requests and to assent to them, particularly those which we see to
derive from the fervor of your devotion. That is why we are inclined
by your devout prayers to allow you to have a portable altar with due
reverence and respect, on which you may celebrate mass or arrange for
mass to be celebrated even before daybreak but around the time of
daylight. (etc.)


The indulgences that formed the flash point for the reformation were
the issued under a "bull of indulgences" that was issued March
31,1516.
So, this particular one is still a year too early.

Hi,
I don't know, and doubt, that this is what you are searching for, but
anyway I would like to tell this:
There is a site with something about the Plenissimam Indulgentiam...
And here it is:
http://www.mcsweeneys.net/1999/07/08press.html

And I forgot...
http://www.ccel.org/s/schaff/hcc6/htm/ii.x.ix.htm
I think this is the translation...

I had seen the second one, but not the first one.  I'll see if I can
find a way to figure out what it says...

Thanks!